Beaver Gifts

Beavers are known for their natural trait of building dams
on rivers and streams, and building their homes (known as
"lodges") in the resulting pond. Beavers also build canals
to float build materials that are difficult to haul over land.
They use powerful front teeth to cut trees and other plants
that they use both for building and for food.

Beavers

Beavers are semi-aquatic rodents. Beavers are
known for the ability to build dams and canals.

Size: Beavers are one of the largest species
of rodents, second in size only to the capybara. Beavers
are 23-39 inches long, with tails that are 7.75-12 inches
long. Beavers weigh approximately 60 lbs. Females are
often larger than their male counterparts.

Habitat: Beavers are found in north and central
Eurasia, and in North America. Beavers live near rivers,
streams, ponds, small lakes, and marshes.

Behavior: Beavers are known for their construction
abilities. They build dams on rivers and streams. Beavers
construct homes in ponds and waterways. They typically
construct homes with a portion underwater and a part
above water.

Description: Beavers have webbed feet, and a
paddle-shaped tail. A beaver has a coat of fur that
is naturally oily and waterproof. Beavers have powerful
front teeth.

Senses: Beavers have poor eyesight, but
an excellent sense of hearing, smell, and touch.

Did You Know?

Beavers can remain underwater for 15
minutes without surfacing.

Gestation: Beavers carry their young for 3 months.

Birth: Beavers give birth to litters of 1-4
kits. A beaver kit's eyes are open when they are born,
and they can swim within 24 hours of their birth. Young
beavers are weaned at about two weeks. Both male and
female beavers care for their young. A young beaver
will stay with its parents for the first 2 years of
its life.

Sexually Mature: Beavers mate for life. They
sexually mature around the age of 3.

Life Span: The average life span of a
beaver in the wild is 24 years.

Did You Know?

Beavers have the unique ability to
manipulate their environment, their
ability is second only to humans.

Social Structure: Beavers live in groups called
a colony. A beaver colony has six or more members, consisting
of parents, yearlings and kits.